Busan

♿

Special Education

Information about programs and institutions that cater to students with special needs or learning disabilities.

Sections

1. Overview of Special Education in South Korea

South Korea has a robust legal framework for Special Education, primarily governed by the Special Education Promotion Act and the Act on the Guarantee of Rights of and Support for Persons with Disabilities. These laws ensure that children with disabilities have access to free and appropriate education, tailored to their needs. Busan, as South Korea's second-largest city, offers a variety of resources, schools, and programs for children requiring special education.

2. Special Education Services and Programs in Busan

Busan provides a range of services and programs for children with disabilities, including:

A. Special Education Schools

Busan has several dedicated special education schools (특수학교) that cater to students with various disabilities, including intellectual, physical, visual, auditory, and developmental disabilities. These schools provide individualized education plans (IEPs) and specialized facilities.

  • Examples of Special Education Schools in Busan:
    • Busan Nambu Special Education School (부산남부특수학교): Focuses on students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
    • Busan Haeundae Special Education School (부산해운대특수학교): Offers programs for students with physical and multiple disabilities.
    • Busan Dongbu Special Education School (부산동부특수학교): Caters to students with sensory impairments (e.g., visual or auditory disabilities).

B. Inclusive Education in Mainstream Schools

Many mainstream schools in Busan have special education classrooms (특수학급) or resource rooms where students with mild to moderate disabilities can receive additional support while participating in general education classes.

C. Early Intervention Programs

For younger children (ages 3–5), early intervention programs are available in preschools and kindergartens. These programs focus on developmental support, speech therapy, and social skills training.

D. Rehabilitation and Therapy Services

Special education schools and centers often collaborate with rehabilitation facilities to provide:

  • Speech therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Physical therapy
  • Behavioral therapy

E. Vocational Training

For older students, vocational training programs are available to help them transition into the workforce. These programs focus on developing job skills and fostering independence.

F. Support Centers for Special Education

Busan has several support centers that provide resources, counseling, and guidance for families of children with disabilities. These centers also assist with assessments and referrals to appropriate schools or programs.

3. Costs of Special Education in Busan

  • Public Schools: Special education in public schools is free for Korean citizens and long-term residents. This includes tuition, textbooks, and some additional services.
  • Private Schools: Private special education schools may charge tuition, which varies depending on the institution. Scholarships or subsidies may be available for families in need.
  • Therapy Services: While some therapy services are covered by the National Health Insurance (NHI), additional private therapy sessions may incur costs ranging from KRW 30,000–100,000 per session.
  • Transportation: The government often provides free or subsidized transportation for students attending special education schools.

4. Enrollment Procedures and Requirements

To enroll a child in a special education program in Busan, follow these steps:

A. Assessment and Diagnosis

  1. Obtain a formal diagnosis of the child’s disability from a certified medical professional or psychologist.
  2. Submit the diagnosis to the local education office (교육청) in Busan for evaluation.

B. Application to Schools

  1. Contact the Busan Metropolitan Office of Education (부산광역시교육청) or the nearest district education office for guidance on school placement.
  2. Submit the required documents, which typically include:
    • Child’s medical diagnosis
    • Proof of residency in Busan
    • Parent/guardian identification
    • Previous school records (if applicable)

C. Placement

The education office will recommend a suitable school or program based on the child’s needs. Parents can visit the recommended schools to meet with staff and tour the facilities.

D. Additional Support

If the child requires therapy or additional services, the school or education office can help connect families with local providers.

5. Cultural Considerations

Understanding cultural norms and attitudes toward disabilities in South Korea is important for families moving to Busan:

  • Awareness and Advocacy: While awareness of disabilities is growing, some stigma may still exist. Advocacy groups and parent networks can provide support and resources.
  • Parental Involvement: Korean culture places a strong emphasis on education, and parents are expected to be actively involved in their child’s learning and development.
  • Language Barrier: Most special education services are conducted in Korean. Families who do not speak Korean may need to hire interpreters or seek bilingual support services.
  • Community Support: Busan has a growing community of expatriates and multicultural families. Organizations like the Busan Global Center can provide assistance and connect families with local resources.

6. Local Resources and Sites Related to Special Education

Busan offers several resources and facilities for families seeking special education services:

A. Busan Metropolitan Office of Education (BMOE)

  • Website: http://www.pen.go.kr
  • The BMOE oversees all public and special education programs in Busan. They provide information on school placements, policies, and support services.

B. Busan Special Education Support Center

  • Provides assessments, counseling, and referrals for children with disabilities.
  • Contact: Check with the local district education office for the nearest center.

C. Busan Rehabilitation Centers

  • Busan Welfare Center for the Disabled (부산장애인복지관): Offers therapy, counseling, and vocational training.
  • Busan Developmental Disability Center (부산발달장애인지원센터): Focuses on children with developmental disabilities.

D. Parent Support Groups

  • Parent groups and online communities can provide valuable advice and emotional support. Look for groups on platforms like Naver or KakaoTalk.

E. Multicultural Family Support Centers

  • These centers assist foreign families in Busan with navigating the education system and accessing resources. They often provide translation and interpretation services.

7. Tips for Navigating Special Education in Busan

  • Start Early: Begin the assessment and enrollment process as soon as possible to ensure your child receives timely support.
  • Leverage Community Resources: Reach out to local support centers, parent groups, and expat organizations for guidance.
  • Learn Basic Korean: While many professionals in Busan speak some English, learning basic Korean phrases related to education and disabilities can be helpful.
  • Advocate for Your Child: Be proactive in communicating with teachers and administrators to ensure your child’s needs are met.

Conclusion

Busan offers a variety of special education services and programs to support children with disabilities. By understanding the enrollment process, leveraging available resources, and embracing the local culture, families can ensure their children receive the education and care they need. If you need further assistance or specific contact information, feel free to ask!